Childhood Development Program
The Childhood Development Program (CDP) by Amrita-Seattle adopts a comprehensive and integrated approach to child development. It aims to empower underserved at-risk children living in utmost rural Ladakh and West Bengal by addressing their nutritional, educational, cognitive, psychosocial, and health needs through a sustained and community-rooted model.
Role of the CDP Learning Centers
The CDP learning centers function as the program’s operational core and serve as child-friendly community hubs:
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Deliver daily education, nutritional meals, and psychosocial support in one space.
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Offer a stable, inclusive, and nurturing environment for children who may lack these resources at home.
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Act as platforms for community outreach & awareness, parental involvement, and local capacity building.
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Encourage volunteerism and local ownership to promote sustainability.
Key Numbers
since of 2024
Nutrition & Health
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Daily nutrition: A light snack followed by a hot, nourishing breakfast—often the most substantial meal of a child’s day—to support healthy growth, stronger immunity, and better focus in class.
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Balanced menus: Age-appropriate, locally sourced meals designed to combat malnutrition and provide essential macro- and micro-nutrients.
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Safe drinking water: LifeStraw Community Water Filters installed and maintained at centers, with training on safe storage and handwashing to prevent waterborne illness.
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Annual health camps & check-ups: Growth monitoring, basic screenings (vision, dental, anemia where feasible), deworming as appropriate, health education, and referral pathways for follow-up care.
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Targeted Menstrual Health & Hygiene (MHM): Age-appropriate education, access to period products, safe disposal solutions, and confidential support to reduce stigma and menstruation-related absenteeism.
Education
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Daily education and remedial lessons help children build foundational literacy and numeracy skills, and catch up where learning gaps exist.
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Monthly distribution of full-range academic and art supplies supports both structured learning and creative expression.
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Establishment of Libraries with culturally and age-appropriate books (fiction and non-fiction)
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Annual “Back to School” kits provide essential items like uniforms, bags, and stationery to ensure children start the academic year prepared and confident.
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Seasonal gear, including raincoats, boots for the monsoon, and warm clothing for winter, is provided to reduce school absenteeism and protect children from harsh weather.
Psychosocial and Socio-Emotional Development
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Centers foster empathy, cooperation, and self-expression through storytelling, dance, fine arts, group activities, educational tours, and games.
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Safe, inclusive environments promote mental well-being and provide emotional support for children who may face difficult circumstances at home or in their communities.
Parental engagement, health awareness, and community workshops.
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Targeted menstrual health interventions for adolescent girls and women
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Efforts to reduce stigma, increase school attendance, and promote informed, confident adolescence.
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Mother n' Child Wellness camps